Volkswagen brand is set to make their vehicles more efficient than ever before with the inauguration of their 8,800 square-meter facility that boasts of the most cutting-edge technology available in the automotive industry and comes certified for measurements by no less than the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedures.

The German automaker’s Wind Tunnel Efficiency Center located in Wolfsburg can generate winds up to 250 kilometers per hour and simulate real traffic, climatic and environmental conditions experienced anywhere in the world including raising temperatures to 60 degrees Celsius or lowering it down to -30 degrees Celsius.

A flat belt balance with an integrated camera system found in the aerodynamics and acoustics wind tunnel makes sure that real-world driving operation can be simulated as each individual wheel gets its own flat belt. This way, it allows the vehicle to experience turning motions the way it happens on the road. The time it takes to align the vehicle is reduced to 5 minutes from 30 because of the camera.

The tunnel also comes with acoustic insulation making it the quietest in the world. Even with wind speed set to 160 kilometers per hour, sound pressure level only reaches 65 decibels, the same amount generated by watching TV in your living room.

Snow, rain and sunlight can be generated in the thermal wind tunnel that comes with an advanced all-wheel-drive roller dynamometer in order to get real-world results from the testing.

“By 2020, we will renew our entire product portfolio as well as expanding it in key segments. All in all, our development teams are working on more than 50 vehicle projects,” said Dr. Herbert Diess, CEO of the Volkswagen brand.

“These tests are a key factor in improving efficiency and reducing emissions. Thanks to the new center, we are also outstandingly well positioned for the future with respect to other development areas such as aeroacoustics and electric vehicle range,” added Dr. Frank Welsch, Member for Technical Development.